Microsoft divulges all its secrets to Russia's security service

Software giant Microsoft has agreed to give the Federal Security Service access to the source codes for its latest products.

This extends a previous agreement signed in 2002 by Microsoft and Atlas Company that makes protecting software for Microsoft products used by the security service and other organizations of the kind.

“During the eight years of very successful cooperation, both parties built up mutual trust,” Microsoft Russia PR director Marina Levin told RT. “There haven’t been any leakages of information, so we can fully rely on our partners as well as our partners rely on us.”

Eight years ago, the deal supported Atlas with source codes for Windows XP, Windows 2000, and Windows Server 2000. The new agreement will oblige Microsoft to send to Atlas the new source codes – for example, this will apply to the operating system Windows 7 and Microsoft Office 2010.

The codes will also be used to create digital platforms for big projects in the social sector, such as digital government.

For Russia, the extended agreement is part of the modernization and digitalization of the country – especially as far as state companies are concerned.

For Microsoft, it is a way to keep old clients and expand the business. It is no secret that state organizations and companies are quite an attractive area and a big source of profit for Microsoft.

Although the company did not reveal its annual income in Russia, it is estimated at a figure around $1 billion. About 10% of it comes from the state bodies, including the Federal Security Service.

“The thing is the state is currently leaning toward open source software, such as Linux,” Aleksey Kuzovkin, head of Armada IT Group board, was quoted as saying by Vedomosti newspaper. “Microsoft is hoping to compete for the clients.”